are liable to error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are liable to error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is prone to mistakes or inaccuracies. Example: "The calculations provided in the report are liable to error, so please double-check them before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Indeed, it may well be that because the verdicts of a prize board, like the reviews of a critic, are liable to error and misprisions, to resentment as well as sentiment, they remind us uncomfortably closely of what the works being judged — of what art and literature — are about: the messy business of being human.

The New York Times - Books

He seems to think that it is a conceptual truth that moral judgments are liable to error.

SEP

Nevertheless, SNaPshot™ results must be carefully replicated since genotypes are liable to error due to allelic dropout and C→T transitions.

Plosone

The analytical methods for detecting hundreds to thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are very complex multistep procedures, which are liable to error [ 1].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even though the structure, genetic content and organization of mtDNA are strongly conserved among mammals and human mtDNA is considered a paradigm for the whole class [ 3], it is imperative that sequencing of new mt genomes incorporate evidence from the transcriptome as often as possible, as annotations based on genomic data only are liable to errors.

BMC Genomics

'Life at Newbury Hall School': Overall, The Royal Ballet School was issued the notice last November after an earlier Ofsted inspection found pupil safeguarding was "not effective" and the system for vetting staff was "liable to error," reported Schools Week.

Independent

As with most measures, our objective health construct is liable to error.

BMC Geriatrics

The transfusion of blood and blood products is a complex, multi-professional task which is liable to errors at any point in the journey from donor to recipient.

Nurse Education in Practice

Nevertheless, genotyping of hDNA samples is liable to errors caused by DNA damage and allelic dropout.

Plosone

19 International classification of disease codes used to determine medical indication for induction of labour are liable to greater degrees of error, but medical complications are under-recorded not over-recorded.

British Medical Journal

Hydrophobic particles are liable to aggregate in collision.

Journal of Iron and Steel Research, International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are liable to error", always provide context or a reason why the subject is prone to mistakes. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are liable to error" when the possibility of error is negligible. Instead, use phrases that indicate a higher degree of certainty or accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are liable to error" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a susceptibility or potential for mistakes. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are liable to error" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to express that something is susceptible to mistakes. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It appears across different contexts, especially in scientific, news, and academic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, provide context and avoid overstating the certainty of error. Consider using alternatives like "are prone to mistakes" or "are subject to errors" based on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are prone to mistakes

Focuses on the tendency to make mistakes, emphasizing a natural inclination.

are susceptible to inaccuracies

Highlights the vulnerability to containing errors, suggesting a lack of precision.

are subject to errors

Implies that errors are a potential consequence, indicating exposure to mistakes.

are open to mistakes

Suggests vulnerability and the possibility of errors occurring.

carry a risk of error

Emphasizes the inherent danger of errors arising from a particular source.

are in danger of being wrong

Highlights the potential for incorrectness, suggesting a high probability of error.

are apt to be incorrect

Indicates a natural tendency towards inaccuracy, emphasizing the likelihood of errors.

are disposed to mistakes

Suggests a predisposition to making errors, emphasizing an inclination.

are at risk of being flawed

Focuses on the potential for imperfections, highlighting the possibility of errors compromising integrity.

invite the possibility of errors

Highlights the potential for errors to arise.

FAQs

How can I use "are liable to error" in a sentence?

You can use "are liable to error" to indicate that something or someone is prone to making mistakes. For example: "Human calculations "are liable to error", so it's best to double-check them with a calculator."

What's a formal alternative to "are liable to error"?

A more formal alternative to "are liable to error" is "are subject to errors" or "are prone to errors". These phrases convey a similar meaning but sound more professional.

Is it better to say "are liable to error" or "are liable to errors"?

Both "are liable to error" and "are liable to errors" are grammatically correct, but the singular form emphasizes the general potential for mistakes, while the plural form suggests multiple distinct errors. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "are liable to error" and "are prone to error"?

While both phrases indicate a tendency to make mistakes, "are liable to error" suggests a higher degree of probability, while "are prone to error" suggests a natural inclination or predisposition.